By Kristin Charles

A key ingredient to succeeding as a college student is maintaining a healthy diet. Join Evelyn Gezo, New Paltz's on-campus nutritionist and dietician, at the table as she shares her recipe for a healthy diet.

Begin with the basics
It's important not to skip meals. Gezo says that eating breakfast can help you pay attention in class. If your stomach is full, your brain can be focused on your work. She suggests keeping some quick breakfast items like fruit, bagels and peanut butter in your room for those mornings when you're in a rush.

Sprinkle in snack time
Plan ahead and pack healthy snacks to munch on throughout the day. Dry cereal, graham crackers, ginger snaps, nuts, dried fruit and trail mixes are low-fat alternatives to vending machine snacks that can also zap your wallet.

Mix in a lot of water
When you're thirsty, reach for water instead of sodas and energy drinks that Gezo says are short-term solutions loaded with caffeine and sugar. Carrying a water bottle in your backpack goes a long way in keeping you hydrated.

Add knowledge as needed
It's easy to become overwhelmed by all the dining choices available on campus. Gezo suggests sticking with what you know for the first couple of days. Then, add new foods to your plate as you become familiar with the dining hall menus.

Reach for help
This semester, Gezo will host Nutrition Night Dinner Chats on Wednesdays covering topics such as avoiding the "Freshman 15," what's in energy drinks and interpreting nutritional labels. She is also available for individual appointments. Contact Gezo at x3351 or stop by her office in the Nutrition and Wellness Center, located in Hasbrouck Dining Hall.